SMRT is launching a pilot programme to allow passengers to use their taxis' folding booster seats free-of-charge.

This six-month pilot programme starts today (Mar. 5), and is aimed at providing safer journeys by encouraging the use of booster seats by children under 1.35m in height.

SMRT the first taxi company to offer free booster seats

In his 2020 Committee of Supply Debate speech, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Transport Baey Yam Keng lauded SMRT's decision to launch this booster seat pilot programme.

During this pilot programme, SMRT will progressively equip its fleet of 2,800 taxis with booster seats.

SMRT is the first taxi operator in Singapore to offer the folding booster seats in its vehicles for free.

While the use of booster seats in taxis is not mandated by the Road Traffic Act, it is recommended for young children, for enhanced safety.

"This will enhance safety for children in taxis, and provide parents of young children with a safer transport option", he said.

Taxis exempted from booster seat requirement

Under the Road Traffic Act, passengers under 1.35m in height riding in a car must use either a child restraint or booster seat.

The law also applies to passengers of private hire car services, such as Grab.

On the other hand, taxis are exempt from the rule as long as the passenger below 1.35m is seated in the rear passenger seat.

In a statement on Feb. 10, 2017, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) explained that private hire cars must be pre-booked, which would give private hire car drivers enough advance notice to prepare accordingly, if a passenger were to indicate a need for booster seats or child restraints.

This is unlike taxis, which can be street-hailed, so "it would not be reasonable to expect them to be equipped with booster seats and child restraints at all times, or to reject passengers with infants or children".

Such an approach, said LTA, strikes a balance between practicality and ensuring that the safety of children is not compromised.

Top images via SMRT.